Phillips Sonicare EasyClean Toothbrush: A Review

The EasyClean is the cheapest of the newer models in the Sonicare line. It’s slimmer, sleeker and uses Sonicare’s new, snap-on ProResults brush heads, eliminating some of the older models’ hygiene issues. Otherwise, however, its functions are basic — its built-in two-minute SmartTimer keeps your brushing session on track, while its Quadpacer technology makes sure each of the four quadrants of your mouth receive equal attention.

Yeah, that’s it.

If you’re looking for a reasonably priced sonic toothbrush and don’t care about fancy settings or largely superfluous accessories, then this is the brush for you.

Introducing the Sonicare EasyClean

It’s sonic. It’s easy. It cleans.

Electric toothbrushes can be packed to the gills with customizable features and Sonicare brushes are no exception (check out the DiamondClean — your head will spin). While the EasyClean’s sisters can have upwards of five different modes and settings, the EasyClean has one — “Clean.”

Which it does, very well.

I’ve talked about the SmartTimer (a built-in timer that ensures your brushing session lasts the dentist-recommended two minutes) and the Quadpacer (whatever the advertising says, it doesn’t beep — listen for a pause in the motor instead), so here’s a brief rundown of a few extra details it’s worth knowing about:

Pause function

If you’re in the middle of a brushing session and want to slop on some extra toothpaste, hit the power button. If you press the button again within 30 seconds, the toothbrush will remember where you are in the cycle and pick up where you left off.

It’s small and light. That’s good and bad.

As I’ve mentioned, the EasyClean has a much slimmer silhouette than its predecessors. That makes it easier to handle but, combined with the charging base’s light weight and small footprint, also means it’s prone to being knocked over accidentally. If you’re storing it on your countertop, watch your elbows.

ProResults brush heads come in two sizes, “standard” and “compact”.

Your old brush heads won’t work.

It seems like people are always struggling to figure out which brush heads will work with their toothbrush.

The ProResults brush head is a relatively new design for Sonicare. Instead of screwing onto the brush handle, like with older models, the ProResults brush head snaps easily into place. That’s convenient because it means there are fewer places for excess toothpaste and other gunk to build up, but it does mean brush heads from older models will have to be replaced.

If you feel like splurging, the top-of-the-line DiamondClean brushes work with this model as well.

And, no, the ProResults brush heads don’t sit flush against the brush handle, whatever the accompanying photograph seems to imply. It’s simply the way they were designed.

No travel case

While Sonicare has helpfully provided a plastic cap to cover your toothbrush bristles when you travel, the EasyClean doesn’t include a travel case. However, the charger does support 100-240VAC and 50/60hz, so travellers can at least leave the adapters at home while they’re lugging their toothbrushes around in sealed Ziploc bags.

The Sonicare EasyClean is fairly inexpensive (at least, by Sonicare’s standards), but it’s still a lot of money. Protect your investment and register your toothbrush online. Sonicare toothbrushes come with a two-year warranty and, for the most part, they’re very good about addressing defective toothbrushes and other problems that could potentially crop up during the warranty period.

Just be aware that the two-year countdown runs from date of purchase. If you have the bad luck to have a replacement brush fail on you outside that initial two-year window, you’re out of luck.

What does everyone else think?

Don’t you just wish you could be this happy? I do.

As of current writing, the Sonicare EasyClean’s customer rating is 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com.

Conclusion

If you’ve used the Sonicare Essence (or another of Sonicare’s older brushes) in the past and grown frustrated with its goopy build-up, its Ni-MH battery and bulky, sometimes uncomfortable design, the newer Sonicare EasyClean makes for a natural replacement. Like the Essence, it doesn’t come with fancy accessories or a bunch of customizable options that often go unused. It just cleans, which, at the end of the day, is what electric toothbrushes are all about.

Not that there’s anything wrong with bells and whistles. For more control, check out the Sonicare Flexcare or, if you’re looking to save some money and just want to whiten your teeth, the Sonicare HealthyWhite.

Obligatory note on packaging

If you do decide to buy this product on Amazon.com it’s important to understand what “Amazon Frustration-Free” packaging means. You will receive your Sonicare EasyClean in a cardboard Amazon box, with none of the original packaging. This makes it considerably easier to open (and recyclable), but much harder to wrap. If you’re buying this toothbrush as a gift, be sure to select the “Retail” option instead.